GALION — In recognition of a commitment to quality and an ongoing dedication to the learning and development of children, the Galion City School District Preschool Program has received the Five-Star Step Up To Quality Award from the state of Ohio.

This recognition is the highest the Ohio Department of Education awards to preschool programs throughout the state. Step Up To Quality is Ohio’s rating system for learning and development programs.

Participating programs can earn a one- to five-star rating. In addition to meeting all standards for a three-star rating, programs with five stars may:

• Have lower staff/child ratios; use child assessment results to plan activities that best support learning and development goals for each child;
• Work with other organizations or businesses within the community to support children and their families;
• Have an active and organized parent volunteer group; use input from families and community partners to inform continuous improvement process;
• Have accreditation by an approved organization.

“It is quite an honor and relief to receive the Five-Star rating for Step Up to Quality because it is a very intense program and requires a lot of work, professional development and monitoring for all staff ,” said preschool coordinator Katy Erlsten. “This designation is very important as funding for the Early Childhood Education grant is reliant on receiving at least three stars, and it shows that the Galion City School District Preschool Program provides a positive, high quality learning environment. ”

Research confirms that the first five years of a child’s life have a direct impact on how children develop emotional well-being, in addition to, learning and social skills.

For these reasons, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Ohio Department of Education are committed to improving early childhood opportunities for all children in the state.

“This is an outstanding accomplishment for our Preschool Program and our teachers and staff,” said Superintendent Jim Grubbs. “A great deal of hard work and time goes in to ensuring the Galion City School District Preschool Program provides the best learning atmosphere in the county for our students, and I am incredibly proud of our staff for their dedication in making this happen.”

Galion City Schools’ Five-Star rated Galion City School District Pre school Program is still accepting new students for the 2017-18 school year.

Interested parents are strongly encouraged to obtain a hard copy of the registration packet from the Primary School by visiting the building office from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by calling the office at 419-468-4010 by June 12.

To learn more about the Step Up to Quality Program, visit www.earlychildhoodohio.org. For information, contact Erlsten at [email protected].